On the site of the former Kaiser printing works, an urban, future-oriented, car-free and barrier-free residential quarter is being created with interlinked pathways, a variety of amenity qualities and a high proportion of greenery. Around 400 flats are to be built here. With two perimeter block structures and a central square, the design forms an inviting address for the neighbourhood as well as a striking prelude to the inner-city connection to Essen's city centre. Various public uses such as a café, food hall and co-working space along the neighbourhood square, street-side cultural and commercial spaces as well as a mobility hub, daycare centre and health facilities enliven the base floor and the urban space.
In cooperation with +grün landscape architecture, an open space concept was developed with a high quality of stay, meeting points as well as movement and recreation areas. In addition to the species-rich planting of the inner courtyards, the green roofs and partial plantings on the courtyard facades, a neighbourhood biotope and urban gardening raised beds offer a variety of added values for the environment and residents. Based on compact building structures, highly insulated façades and energy generation through photovoltaics, the aim is to create a climate-neutral neighbourhood.
